The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the prompt release of two Plateau-based journalists, Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang of Jay 101.9 FM, who were arrested last week while covering the funeral of the late mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe.
The duo were detained after posting a video on social media showing a confrontation between a cleric and security operatives at the burial ceremony, sparking widespread concerns about press freedom and the right of journalists to carry out their duties without intimidation.
In a statement signed by NUJ President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, the union expressed relief at their release and praised the intervention of the DSS Director-General, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, who personally ordered their freedom, apologised to the NUJ, and directed DSS operatives to conduct thorough investigations before effecting arrests.
According to Abdullahi, the DSS leadership’s willingness to acknowledge mistakes and correct them reflects “a commendable shift in the culture of our security institutions” and is vital in strengthening public confidence.
The NUJ, while hailing this positive step, urged the DSS and other security agencies to institutionalise accountability by sanctioning officers whose actions violate democratic principles and constitutional rights.
“Press freedom is the bedrock of democracy, and journalists must never be treated as adversaries for performing their constitutional duties,” the statement read.
The union reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with security institutions to foster professionalism, safeguard democracy, and balance press freedom with national security.